Wednesday, August 27, 2008

10 proposals to build hotels in Penang

GEORGE Town’s listing as a World Heritage Site by Unesco has drawn the confidence of investors to Penang, especially in the tourism sector.

Penang Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage Com-mittee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said this was shown by the over 10 proposals the state had re-ceived from potential investors to set up hotels in the state.

“The proposals include hotels in Penang Road, Magazine Road, Burmah Road, Kelawei Road, Tan-jung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Weld Quay. Some heritage buildings in George Town will also be converted into hotels,’’ he said in his speech at the Penang Hoteliers’ Association’s 51st annual dinner on Sunday night.

The dinner was also held in conjunction with the celebration of George Town’s listing as a World Heritage Site.

Former state executive councillor Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan, who was the guest of honour, urged the state government and Penangites to comply with the heritage guidelines set by Unesco so that the state’s listing would not be jeopardised.

“This listing is just the begin-ning of a great challenge to the present state government as the people of Penang would be having high expectations that the listing would bring about better economic development for the state,’’ he said.

Association chairman Datuk Lim Mee Lee, in his speech, urged the state government to improve security and safety measures at tourist spots in Penang to make tourists feel safe.

“If Penang has a high crime rate, it would have a bad impact on our tourism industry,’’ he said.

He also urged the state government to have a professional heritage management committee to look into reviving significant heritage buildings which are in poor condition.